Life is all about choices, and real leaders know that moving forward means making tough decisions. Sometimes, fear of making the wrong choice can hold us back, leaving us stuck in indecision and hindering progress. But there are simple principles and processes that leaders, including those I coach, rely on to break this cycle. Let’s look at four fundamental principles I follow when facing difficult decisions.
Clarity is Key!
Before making any decision, make sure you are 100% crystal clear about what you and your organization want and need. Understanding your goals, values, and priorities lays the foundation for effective decision-making. When you know what you’re aiming for and why, decisions become much more straightforward. Depending on the decision, you could confide in a trusted friend or loved one for advice or maybe even call up your old friend, Google, to see if they can offer some clarity to what ails you.
Write it Down!
Decision-making should always involve putting pen to paper. When you try to keep everything in your head, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of conflicting thoughts. By jotting down your thoughts, desires, and concerns, you can often find clarity and simplicity that seemed elusive before. It never hurts to put together a little PROS and CONS list to put everything into perspective.
Decide with Confidence!
Recognize that decisions are made based on probability, not certainty. Leaders must be willing to act even when they can’t be sure of the outcome. Waiting for perfect information often means missing opportunities. Making a choice and being ready to adjust if necessary is what sets leaders apart.
Align with Values!
Every decision should reflect what you and your organization value most. Fear-based decisions rarely lead to success. Challenge limiting beliefs, seek diverse perspectives and gather information swiftly. By staying true to your values and exploring all options, you can find innovative solutions and move forward confidently. Remember, having a logical process and setting deadlines is crucial to avoiding paralysis by analysis. Trust in your abilities, gather the necessary information, and make your decision with conviction. That’s how true leaders navigate tough choices and keep progressing toward their goals.
